October 26, 2011 -- What would you do if you found ten matching “KEY” symbols each worth $1,000 on a CT Lottery “Fast Cash” instant game ticket and won the game’s top prize? “I was jumping up and down, yelling and screaming,” Kimberly Effes of Waterbury told Lottery officials with a laugh.

An unexpected purchase made by Kimberly’s husband put a Fast Cash instant game ticket in her hands. “Every once in awhile he’ll pick up a ticket and give it to me to play,” Kimberly said. “When I saw how much I won, I honestly thought it was a joke until my husband checked the ticket and assured me the $10,000 prize was real.” Kimberly was literally jumping for joy over her unexpected win. “My friends were over visiting at the time; we were all jumping and screaming with excitement,” Kimberly remarked.

Arriving at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill recently, Kimberly accepted her prize check for $6,833 (value after taxes). “The holidays are coming,” Kimberly said, “This will make it all a little easier.”

For selling the Fast Cash top prize winning ticket, Food Bag, located at 442 River Road in Shelton, will receive a $100 bonus check from the CT Lottery.